7 Household Items That Should Never Be Flushed Down the Toilet
The toilet is a standard fixture in our homes that we are using every day. The temptation is to consider its use as a given, but it’s important to remember that it’s not a trash can. Certain things shouldn’t go down the drain as they can cause blockage inside the sewer or damage to sewer pipes.
Key Takeaways
- Do not flush certain things in the bathroom because they could block the drain or the damage of sewer lines.
- Seven household items that you should never flush down the drain are:
- Baby wipes
- Condoms
- Cooking grease and oil
- Products for feminine hygiene (tampons and pads for sanitary use)
- Medicines
- Dental floss
- Paper towels
- Doing this can lead to blocked drains or damaged sewer pipelines inside your home’s plumbing system. This can result in an unimaginable cost to you.
- Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing offers unblocking blocked drains Drain clearing, CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining.
Here are seven household items that should not be flushed in the toilet.
1. Baby wipes
Baby wipes might seem useful however they don’t disintegrate like toilet paper and can clog your plumbing system. Put them in the trash instead.
2. Condoms
Dissolving condoms in the toilet can cause blockages to both your plumbing system and wastewater treatment facilities.
3. Cooking grease and oil
Grease and oil must be removed from a container before throwing it away in the trash, because they can harden and cause blockages in your drains or pipes.
4. Feminine hygiene products
Tampons and sanitary pads are frequently marketed to be "flushable, " but flushing them can cause trouble later on when they join with other products to form a nasty obstruction.
5. Medicines
Medications should never be flushed into the toilet as they could contaminate water sources.
6. Dental floss
Dental floss is designed to be tough, which means it won’t fall apart in water, causing possible blockages in your pipes.
7. Paper towels
As opposed to toilet paper papers have a stronger weave that means they are less likely to deteriorate rapidly once they are wet, which means they won’t easily cause blockages.
The bottom line is that flushing any of the seven items will ultimately lead to blocked drains as well as damaged pipes in your plumbing system which can result in an unexpected price to you. Stay mindful of what you pour down your toilet.
| Item | Reason for not Flushing |
|---|---|
| Baby wipes | Do not break down like toilet paper and can clog your plumbing system. Dispose of them in the trash instead. |
| Condoms | Leads to blockages both at home’s plumbing and treatment plants. |
| Cooking grease and oil | Will harden and cause blockages in your drains or pipes. |
| Feminine hygiene products | Combining with other items creates a nasty clog despite being marketed as "flushable". |
| Medications | Can contaminate our water sources. |
| Dental floss | Designed to be strong, leading to potential blockages in pipes. |
| Paper towels | Less likely to deteriorate quickly once wet, easily causing blockages unlike with toilet paper. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can flushing feminine hygiene products can cause harm to my pipes?
Yes. Feminine hygiene products do not break down in water and could block the sewer or your pipes.
Can flushable wipes be truly flushable?
Many "flushable" wipes don’t really break down and could cause clogs to your pipes.
Can I wash baby wipes by flushing them down the toilet?
No. Baby wipes should never be flushed down the toilet as they do not dissolve quickly and could cause obstructions.
Are paper towels suitable to flush?
No. Paper towels are more dense than toilet paper, and they will not break down as quickly, causing potential clogs in your plumbing system.
What happens to medications? Can I flush them in the toilet?
No. Medications can contaminate our waterways, which is why it’s crucial to dispose of them in a safe manner by taking your medications to the designated drop-off location.
If you find yourself dealing with blockage of your drain do not delay in calling our professional plumbing solutions for assistance at Melbourne Blocked Drains Plumbing . We can help you unblock blocked drains, drain clearing, CCTV drain inspection, and pipe relining services to ensure your home isn’t impacted by drainage problems. Contact us today to set up an appointment.
Additional Information
- Common Drain Cleaning Mistakes You Need to Avoid
- Prevent Blocked Drains Now: Know the Common Causes
- Uncovering Hidden Damage with a Professional CCTV Drain Inspection
- From Blocked to Free-flowing: Drainage Solutions for Blocked Pipes
- Maximizing the Long-Term Benefits of Pipe Relining by Picking the Ideal Material
- Why Calling a Pro for Drain Cleaning is Safer and Smarter
- What to Know about Pipe Relining Services for Blocked Drains
- Bid farewell to a Blocked Shower Drain with The following Comprehensive Guide
- The Definitive Handbook to Getting Rid of Clogged Pipes: Which Plumbers Use
- The Dangers of Using Chemical Drain Unblockers
